Comparing the inflight experience on Emirates, Etihad and Qatar during the pandemic
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, airlines are trying to reassure customers that it's once again safe to take to the skies.
One of the ways they're going about that is by cleaning planes more regularly, requiring personal protective equipment be worn and modifying the inflight service procedures.
Before the pandemic, you'd likely be served a multi-course meal replete with a top-shelf liquor selection if you're sitting at the pointy end of the plane. Nowadays, your experience is really going to differ based on which carrier you choose to fly.
That's why we'll compare the inflight service on three of the world's top carriers — Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, the "Middle East Three" that have earned a reputation for top service especially in premium classes and serve several destinations in the U.S. We asked the airlines to detail what their onboard experience looks like these days, and this is what they told us.
For more travel tips and news, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Food and beverage
Emirates
As one of the most well-known global airlines, Emirates isn't changing all that much about the meal service onboard. In premium cabins on long-haul flights, the carrier continues to serve hot meals using cutlery and crockery that's sterilized before each use. Single-use menus and wine lists are on offer.
Though the food isn't changing much, the drink service is heavily modified. In business class, there's just one red and one white wine on offer. In first class, there are two reds and two whites. Champagne and beer are available in both cabins, but cocktail service is suspended indefinitely. You can expect Dom Perignon 2008 in first and Veuve Clicquot Brut NV in business.
Limited special dietary meals are available onboard and can be pre-booked on the carrier's website.
Related: Review of Emirates first class from Dubai to LA
Etihad
Not much is changing about Etihad's onboard food and beverage program. Service has not been reduced, nor has the menu or quantity.
That means that whether you're seated in The Residence — the most exclusive commercial cabin in the skies — or the Business Studio, you'll be served a multi-course meal.
Likewise, nothing is changing about the liquor selection on board.
Lastly, special meals continue to be available for those with dietary restrictions.
Qatar
Like American Airlines, Qatar's meal service is practically the same as before the pandemic. There's a full snack and meal service, as well as normal beverage service.
Single-use menu cards are offered, and all meals are served in plastic wrapping. Unfortunately, pre-order meals are temporarily suspended.
Qatar frequently rotates its menu offerings, but premium passengers can expect a choice of two Champagnes (one white and one rosé), three different styles each of red and white wines, plus a dessert wine and a port, which is typically a Colheita or a 20-year-old aged Tawny.
Related: These are some of the most expensive wines in the sky
Amenities
Emirates
Emirates is known for its bling. Sadly, most of it is off-limits due to the coronavirus. The onboard lounge and showers are closed.
There's no live TV or free Wi-Fi available on board, nor are there magazines and newspapers.
Standard amenity kits are still offered, and all passengers flying out from Dubai airport are also given hygiene travel kits containing a mask, gloves, wipes and sanitizer.
Pillows and blankets are available in premium cabins, and first-class passengers continue to receive pajamas.
Etihad
Etihad hasn't modified any of its amenity offerings. That means premium cabin passengers can enjoy the Acqua di Parma amenity kits, as well as onboard Wi-Fi.
Pillows, blankets and pajamas continue to be available on long-haul flights.
In addition to amenity kits, Etihad is providing each passenger with a wellness kit, including a face mask, gloves and hand gel.
Related: Long live the Residence: Etihad will keep flying its A380s
Qatar
Like Emirates, all onboard social areas and lounges are temporarily closed.
Pillows are available on all flights. Blankets are available on flights over two hours, amenity kits are available on flights over four hours, pajamas are available on redeyes over seven hours and turndown service is available on Qsuite flights over seven hours.
Complimentary protective kits are provided in all cabins, across all routes. These kits contain a single-use surgical face mask, large disposable powder-free gloves and hand sanitizer.
Qatar's "Super Wi-Fi" service remains available on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 fleets.
Service
Emirates
The doting service that you might expect from Emirates is definitely scaled back. Dine-on-demand is still offered in first class, but there are no hot towels across the board. Welcome drinks are being restricted to first-class passengers only.
Related: You can now buy Emirates first-class amenity items online
Etihad
Etihad typically provides a dine-on-demand concept for those in business, first and The Residence. That's not changing, though the service flow will be modified to reduce touchpoints with the cabin crew.
Aside from the flight attendants wearing full-body PPE, you can expect multiple food courses to be delivered on one tray. If there's anything else you require, the cabin crew will be able to deliver it, the airline said.
Related: Watch as TPG U.K. reviews all four classes on Etihad Airways
Qatar
Though Qatar is suspending hot towel service, all premium passengers can expect welcome drinks, as well as single-use refreshing wipes. The dining service is still an on-demand concept, though all food will be served individually wrapped on a single tray.
Related: Review of Qatar Airways Qsuite business class on the 777-300ER
Bottom line
We're living in unprecedented times, and that is reflected in the onboard service on some of the world's top carriers.
Each of the three major Middle East airlines have adapted their service procedures to ensure a safer journey. Emirates is definitely curtailing service elements a bit more than both Etihad and Qatar, but you're still in for a luxurious flight should you choose to travel nowadays.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.